A multimedia processing device and method for using virtual resources to manage multimedia content system resources and access to such resources by system applications. A multimedia content processing device, such as a set-top box, is configured to provide virtual resources that emulate actual resources, such as a media playing resource, in a manner that allows system applications, such as a television or video on demand application, to believe they have access to the actual underlying system resource. The method includes providing a virtual resource for a system application seeking access to a system resource. The virtual resource can be configured in an attached mode, in which the virtual resource forwards information between an active system application and the accessed resource. The virtual resource also can be configured in a detached mode, in which the virtual resource emulates the actual resource to which a non-active system application is seeking access.